The closing ceremony of the 2010 Fifa World Cup™ opened with a song that has been the anthem of this World Cup, Waka Waka, it’s time for Africa, by Colombian superstar Shakira and South African band Freshlyground, which set the tone for an electric show.

Colours, lights, flags and sound were the order of the day.

South African musicians including Stoan, Zuluboy, Jozi, Slikour, Teargas, Theo Kgosinkwe, Abigail Kubeka and Zulu scathamiya group and Grammy Award-winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, bid the world farewell in the only manner Africans know how, with song, dance and a touch of story-telling.

From 1960s-style Sophiatown jive to hip hop and kwaito, from the gumboot dance to the bujwa dance, which originated in Soweto, South African singers and dancers set Soccer City alight for the world.

Giant, colourful projections of the world’s flags were also a highlight, as were the life-size elephant puppets that made their way around a virtual waterhole, casting beautiful long shadows behind them.

And when former South African President Nelson Mandela came onto the pitch after the ceremony, the estimated 500-million people watching on TV must have known in their hearts that Africa’s time had come!

Soccer City was a hive of activity as people prepared for the ceremony. Photo courtesy Uyanda Mbuli

Freshlyground arriving at Soccer City to perform the famous Waka Waka song with Shakira. Photo courtesy FRESHLYGROUNDsa

The flags of the world during the closing ceremony at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Photo courtesy Aki Anastasiou

Madiba made a surprise appearance, making the night even more magical. Photo courtesy Aki Anastasiou

Bafana Bafana fans will be proud tonight that their team came so close to beating the world’s top-ranking team, and were beaten a respectable 3-2 in the end. Photo courtesy Shine2010

In arguably the best game of the Confederations Cup, Spain beat South Africa 3-2 in extra time, to take third position in the tournament.

It was a nail-biting contest at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, with South Africa reaching the back of the net first, off substitute Katlego Mphela’s boot in the 73rd minute. Spain’s Daniel Guiza came off the bench to score twice, as the second half drew to a close. Then Mphela managed a second goal in the closing moments of the half, to even the score and force the match into extra time.

Then, in the 107th minute, Xabi Alonso brought Spain’s tally up to 3-2, which South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were unable to answer to.

Fans will gather in Long Street to watch the Final Draw before celebrating on the legendary party street. Photo courtesy jaded one

The countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup will soon hit the six-month mark and soccer fans all over the world are eagerly awaiting the kickoff on June 11. On December 4, the FIFA World Cup Final Draw will take place in the Mother City where, as the FIFA website suggests, “the fates of the world’s top 32 teams will be sketched out”.

An estimated 8 000 people are expected to gather at the Cape Town International Convention Centre to witness the draw, which will reveal the match order for the anticipated sporting event.

According to the City of Cape Town, FIFA executives, celebrities, members of the international media and representatives of each of the 32 qualifying teams will attend the event, which will also feature performances by the Soweto Gospel Choir and Johnny Clegg.

The 90-minute event is set to be broadcasted in 200 countries, reaching an estimated 700-million viewers.

In an interview with iafrica.com, Cape Town Executive Mayor Dan Plato expressed the Mother City’s enthusiasm for hosting this event.

“The Final Draw in Cape Town is a critical date and an important milestone for us. And we could not find a better city in which to host it,” said Plato. “Cape Town’s a wonderful location and its Green Point Stadium is a landmark, one of the best in the world.”

December 4 will be a busy day for soccer fans, many of whom are expected to assemble on Long Street before the Final Draw, where FIFA president Sepp Blatter will announce the 2010 Fan Fest venues, reports news site www.iol.co.za.

Fan Fest venues are expected to attract thousands of fans who do not have tickets for the soccer matches. The public-viewing sites attracted more than 18-million fans during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to watch matches while enjoying a “carnival atmosphere”, says FIFA.

Fans will gather in Long Street to watch the Final Draw before celebrating on the legendary party street.

The Final Draw and Fan Fest venue announcement form part of a week-long celebration in Cape Town that will also see illumination of the festive lights in Adderley Street on November 29 and the opening of the Football for Hope Centre in Khayelitsha on December 5.

Portugal and Spain fans having a laugh before the match. Photo by Roy Barford

Portugal 0 - 1 Spain

Cape Town Tourism brings you updates from the Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.

Kick-off: 20h30

Two minutes: Cape Town fans are enjoying the amazing opportunity to watch world-class players like Christiano Ronaldo, David Villa, Fernando Torres and Simao. Torres fired in a shot which was blocked by Portuguese goalkeeper, Eduardo. Torres is, of course, still searching for his first goal of the tournament.

Five minutes: Both teams have shown some aggressive intent early on. Villa, who has scored three times so far during the tournament, is again looking dangerous.

10 minutes: The vuvuzelas are getting louder as the game picks up pace. A cross from Ronaldo just missed its mark as the score remains 0-0.

20 minutes: A free-kick from Portugal captain, Ronaldo, went straight into the hands of his opposite number, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas. At the other end, a cross from Torres went just over the heads of two Spanish players in the box. A shot from Portuguese midfielder, Tiago, was well saved by Casillas above his head.

25 minutes: Spain have enjoyed the majority of territory and possession in the last five minutes, but have not managed to take advantage. It remains 0-0.

30 minutes: Another Ronaldo free kick has been blocked by his Real Madrid team mate, Casillas. Ronaldo is truly one of the finest players of the 21st century so far; what an absolute pleasure to watch.

35 minutes: A shot from Spanish midfielder, Xavi, went wide to the left as Spain remain goalless, despite several opportunities. The score is static at 0-0, with 10 minutes left of the first half.

40 minutes: The crowd are crying out for a goal to break the ice, but both teams continue to skate gracefully up and down the field.

45 minutes:Torres has been closely watched up front and not allowed much opportunity. Neither team has scored as we go into injury time in the first half.

Half time: The teams head into the change rooms with the score still on 0-0. If you are reading this from anywhere other than Cape Town, you need to check out out domestic flight specials and get here as soon as possible for the quarter-final between Argentina and Germany and semi-final matches to be played here! If you are wondering where to watch the matches here if you don’t have tickets, see our entertainment section.

48 minutes: Spain have started the second half strongly, camping in the Portuguese half.

52 minutes: A lofted pass from Xavi just misses Torres in the Portuguese box. If both teams fail to score in this half, the match will move into extra time, which will consist of two halves of 15 minutes each.

55 minutes: Spain, the European champions in 2008, are building momentum, but the Portuguese defence remains tight.

57 minutes: Villa goes on the run in the Portuguese half, but nothing comes of it in the end.

58 minutes: Torres is replaced as his goalless World Cup continues.

60 minutes: Still no Cesc Fabregas for Spain yet, but the time must surely be coming to get him out there. Two Spanish attempts are shut down by Eduardo within a minute of each other.

62 minutes: GOAL!!! Spain’s Villa gets the ball from a rebound and slots his fourth goal of the tournament. His initial attempt was blocked by Eduardo, but he made no mistake with his second attempt after the ball rolled back to him.

65 minutes: After an excellent showing in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, Villa continues to shine. Having opened the scoring, he now shows off his footwork as he teases the Portuguese defence.

70 minutes: Portugal are now showing a bit more urgency, but fail to hold onto the ball. Eduardo makes another fine save to deny Sergio Ramos this time.

72 minutes: Pedro Mendes replaces Pepe and Liedson comes on for Simao as Portugal look to up the tempo.

74 minutes: The attendance at Cape Town Stadium is announced as 62 935. The stadium capacity is 68 000.

75 minutes: Ramos continues to worry the Portuguese defence.

77 minutes: Another superb strike from Villa is met with another fantastic save from Eduardo. These two have both been excellent this evening; what a superb duel they have been waging.

80 minutes: Portugal really need more from the likes of Ronaldo if they are to remain in contention. With just 10 minutes plus injury time remaining, they need to do a lot more to get that equaliser. Tiago gets a yellow card to add to their frustrations.

82 minutes: Ronaldo shows amazing skill as he swings his right leg around the back of his left, to execute a successful pass. However, the score remains 1-0 to Spain.

85 minutes: Spain remain comfortably in control as Ronaldo is floored in an aerial challenge.

87 minutes: Villa is replaced after another magnificent performance.

89 minutes: Portugal’s woes continue as Ricardo Costa gets a straight red card for elbowing a Spanish player in the face.

90 minutes: There will be three minutes of injury time as Portugal battle to keep their World Cup dream alive.

92 minutes: Spain replace Xabi Alonso as they wind down the clock.

Full time: It’s all over! Portugal are going home as Spain advance to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Paraguay. It has been an absolute pleasure having Ronaldo and his team in South Africa and Cape Town football fans who witnessed Portugal’s 7-0 trashing of Korea DPR last week will never forget it. Tonight, though, they just weren’t up to the challenge.

Teams:

Portugal: Eduardo, Ricardo Costa, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Tiago, Simao, Pepe, Raul Meireles, Cristiano Ronaldo (capt), Hugo Almeida

Spain: Iker Casillas (capt), Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Joan Capdevila, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, David Villa, Fernando Torres

See also:

Portugal and Spain fans in Cape Town: Photographs

Vasco da Gama FC gets behind Portugal in Cape Town

South Africa vs Spain, Confederations Cup, June 28, 2009

Arriving at Soccer City for the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, between South Africa and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana fans 100% behind their team!

South African right down to our toes.

Inside Soccer City.

This Mexican supporter is currently attending her fifth World Cup!

South Africa takes on Mexico, FIFA World Cup™ 2010 opening match.

Young Bafana Bafana supporter.

The crowd was filled with South African supporters.

See also:
World Cup opening ceremony in pictures

South Africa draw against Mexico in World Cup opener

Cape Town Stadium hosts its first international match

France vs Uruguay draws crowd at Cape Town FIFA Fan Fest

Cape Town Fan Fest frequented by families and friends – Photos

Bafana Bafana about to face Mexico in World Cup curtain raiser

The opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ – A Cape Town Tourism photo essay

The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ gets under way!

Soccer City: where vuvuzelas blow the loudest

Football fans flood Soweto as the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives!